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A Socioeconomic Study of Transition Zone Yam Farmers Addressing Constraints and Exploring Opportunities for Integrating Pigeonpea into Yam Cropping Systems

Author

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  • Patricia Pinamang Acheampong

    (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Crops Research Institute, Kumasi 3785 Ghana)

  • Eric Owusu Danquah

    (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Crops Research Institute, Kumasi 3785 Ghana
    Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA)

  • Hashini Galhena Dissanayake

    (Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA)

  • Princess Hayford

    (Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA)

  • Cholani Weebadde

    (Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA)

Abstract

Cultivation of yams by rural households contributes to food supply and income generation. Notwithstanding the importance of this crop, yam production has been stagnating, threatening rural livelihoods and food security. Contrary to traditional yam systems in Ghana, an alternative system that integrates pigeonpea and yam is being proposed to mitigate constraints in existing yam production system through replenishing soil fertility, the provision of stakes for staking, and providing nutritious grains to farmers. The purpose of this study was to explore farmers’ constraints and determine farmers’ knowledge of the pigeonpea–yam cropping system. The investigation was conducted using structured questionnaires on a sample consisting of 150 yam farmers from three major yam-producing districts of Ghana. Results revealed that access to capital, mechanization, and poor road network were among the main constraints that militated yam production. A majority (68%) farmers are also still using shifting cultivation in search of fertile lands for yam production. The study found that farmers had poor knowledge of the pigeonpea–yam cropping system and the benefits and uses of pigeonpea. Given the potential of the pigeonpea–yam intercropping system in addressing soil fertility and providing a readily available source of stakes, it would be a viable option for smallholder farmers to increase and sustain production.

Suggested Citation

  • Patricia Pinamang Acheampong & Eric Owusu Danquah & Hashini Galhena Dissanayake & Princess Hayford & Cholani Weebadde, 2019. "A Socioeconomic Study of Transition Zone Yam Farmers Addressing Constraints and Exploring Opportunities for Integrating Pigeonpea into Yam Cropping Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-13, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:3:p:717-:d:201874
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bekele A. Shiferaw & Tewodros A. Kebede & Liang You, 2008. "Technology adoption under seed access constraints and the economic impacts of improved pigeonpea varieties in Tanzania," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 39(3), pages 309-323, November.
    2. Danquah, Eric Owusu & Ennin, Stella A. & Lamptey, Joseph N. L. & Acheampong, Patricia P., 2014. "Staking Options for Sustainable Yam Production in Ghana," Sustainable Agriculture Research, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 4(01).
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    Cited by:

    1. Kafula Chisanga & Ernest Mbega & Patrick Alois Ndakidemi, 2019. "Socio-Economic Factors for Anthill Soil Utilization by Smallholder Farmers in Zambia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(18), pages 1-17, September.

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